ROYAL DUKES - COLOURISED

Back in this Coronation post, we took a look at the Royal Dukes of the 1930s, the sons of George V and Queen Mary:

LtoR - Duke of Kent, Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Duke of Gloucester

and now here they are again, helpfully "colourised":

The original title to the B&W photo identified the uniforms, again from LtoR, as "RN, Highland Brigade, RAF, Hussars" - clearly the "colouriser" didn't have this information, and hence the poor Duke of York wears a rather speculatively colourised uniform !

BUT WHO'S CORONATION ?

As we bring the present stream of "Coronation Posts" to a (perhaps merciful) end - in time for the forthcoming Bank Holiday - an extremely important question remains: just who was, in fact, crowned on Wednesday, 12th May 1937 ?

Edward VIII, King and Emperor, in his Coronation robes.

VBCW researchers and historians are now advised, for the sake of their mental health, to read no further. The remainder of our worldwide readership can then sympathise with the 1937 Editor of the "Illustrated London News", Mr Bruce Ingram. Having commissioned the above - extremely expensive, full colour - portrait of Edward VIII in his Coronation Robes well in advance, he must have been aghast at news of the Abdication on 11th December 1936, and the prospect of yet further enormous expenditure on royal portraiture. Thankfully, however, some old fashioned and Very British ingenuity saved the day:

 

George VI, King and Emperor, in his Coronation Robes

Just goes to demonstrate that "head swapping" is not unique to 28mm figure modellers......

CORONATION POST (10) - 1937 CORONATION IN COLOUR !

British Movietone (colour) film of the 1937 Coronation - and some atmospheric shots of 1937 Britain, too. Well worth watching !

CORONATION POST (9) - FLUNKIES AND FLUMMERY

The Very British do enjoy some pomp and circumstance, and the 1937 Coronation was clearly the only excuse needed for a collective deep dive into the Royal and Imperial "dressing up box":

Every English County has a Lord Lieutenant, and every
Lord Lieutenant (usually a civilian, although Head of the County
 Territorial Association) has a smart scarlet and blue uniform
(with cocked hat and ostrich feathers, naturally).
Lord de Braose, the VBCW Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire
 (and Governor of the Marches) no doubt turned up
 to the 1937 Coronation in just this type of outfit.

 

Court dress for foreign Ambassadors -
frock coat with lots of gilt, cocked hat
and white knee breeches.

Who knew that even Cabinet Ministers could dress up? This is Cabinet
"Levee Dress", as clearly modelled by, of all people, Sir Samuel Hoare, aka
"Slippery Sam", unfortunately one of the most untrustworthy and unpopular
Members of the inter war House of Commons.

Back to scarlet and blue with a cocked hat - a Military Knight of Windsor
(part of the Order of the Garter).

Comparisons with the 2023 Coronation can be made after Saturday (replies on the back of a postcard rather than back of a cigarette card, obviously.....)

CORONATION POST (8) - CLOSE SUPPORT UNITS

If any VBCW Royalist player is seeking a historical basis for fielding rather colourful infantry sections armed solely with halberds or longbows, read on:

The Yeomen of the Guard (colloquially known as 'Beefeaters') - the reverse of this 1937 cigarette card states:

"This ancient Corps was formed as a band of fifty archers, under a Captain to attend His Majesty. Soon after the accession of Henry VIII the number was increased to two hundred. The same held good in the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and James I, but under Charles II the number was reduced to one hundred, at which figure the Corps now stands. For the Coronation Ceremony, detachments of the Bodyguard will be on duty at Buckingham Palace and the Abbey, a third forming part of the King's Procession to Westminster Abbey."

So much for halberds. As for bows -

The Royal Company of Archers. The reverse of this 1937 cigarette card states:

"Although of even earlier origin, the Royal Company of Archers, as at present constituted, came into being in 1676, when it was formed for the encouragement of archery, "the noble and useful recreation being for many years much neglected." It received a new charter from Queen Anne at the beginning of the 18th century and, under George IV, the Company was given the additional title of "The King's Bodyguard for Scotland"; it has acted in that capacity on visits of the Sovereign to Edinburgh. The Captain - General is the Gold Stick for Scotland and takes his place at Coronations and other Ceremonies. We show a Gentleman of the Body Guard in field dress."

The Yeoman of the Guard on ceremonial duties.
Or possibly VBCW re-enactors waiting for "long range archery support".

On receiving news that "the Royal Company of Archers hasn't been converted yet",
the Yeomen march off towards the sound of gunfire in any event.
Long live King Edward VIII...

CORONATION POST (7) - THE ROYAL DUKES

Straight to the top of the Coronation list of precedence, the Royal Dukes:

The reverse of this John Players cigarette card states:

"It is usual for the Sovereign to confer Peerages on his sons, thereby giving them the right to sit in the House of Lords. The Peerage conferred is usually a Dukedom, with subsidiary titles of an Earldom and a Barony, generally chosen from places in England, Scotland and Ireland respectively. A Royal Dukedom is granted by Letters Patent passed under the Great Seal. Royal Dukes take precedence of other Dukes, but rank (among themselves) according to their precedence as Princes. All Peers receive a Royal Command to attend the Coronation, and at the Ceremony they assume their coronets when the King is crowned."

The sons of George V and Queen Mary. The Royal Dukes  - LtoR the Duke of Kent,
 the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Duke of Gloucester.
Order of seniority - POW, York, Gloucester, Kent, in an imperial
mixture of uniforms : RN, Highland Brigade, RAF, Hussars.

It is an open VBCW question, even at this level of seniority, as to what each of the Royal Dukes would have done had Edward VIII refused to abdicate and instead opted to "fight it out" against his Government and the Church of England. The VBCW canon suggests that the Duke of York raised his own standard against Edward VIII, although the circumstances in which he chose to do so remain shrouded in some mystery. The loyalty of the remaining two brothers would have been of paramount importance to each faction, much as would the sympathies of their mother, Queen Mary.

While there is usually no geographical link between a Royal Dukedom and the holder of the title, in the Hereford VBCW timestream, the Duke of Gloucester (an army man through and through) has been sent north to defend Gloucester itself. Possibly this was to ensure the safety of Madresfield, Edward and Wallis' "Summer Palace" situated nearby, rather than specifically to defend the town: although the fact that Gloucester was a noted Parliamentary stronghold during the English Civil War will not have been lost on "the armchair strategists of Fleet Street".

And then there three : but who will the youngest son,
the Duke of Kent, support?

To date, the Duke of Kent has found it impossible to throw his support behind either of the senior brothers, and has "retired to his estates" (not, of course, in Kent). Both factions continue to make overtures to him.....

CORONATION POST (6) - HM BARGEMASTER and ROYAL WATERMEN

 Contining the Coronation theme, a look at one of the more esoteric bodies of the King's servants:

The reverse of this John Player's cigarette card states:

"H.M.'s Bargemaster and a Waterman - Although the Royal State Barge is no longer used, His Majesty's Bargemaster and a complement of twenty-four Watermen are still maintained. The present Bargemaster is J.T. ("Bossie") Phelps; the Watermen are recruited from riverside men of outstanding ability. The Regalia is not now transported from the Tower of London to the Houses of Parliament by river, but the Bargemaster and two Watermen conduct certain portions of it from St. James Palace to the Palace of Westminster at each State Opening of Parliament. The Bargemaster and twelve selected Watermen will be included at the head of the King's Coronation Procession to Westminster Abbey"

The original State Barge's last outing at Henley, 1912

CORONATION POST (5) - INDIAN ORDERS OF CHIVALRY

Of all the ancient (and some slightly more modern) knightly orders of chivalry (the Garter, the Thistle, St. Patrick, the Bath, St. Michael & St. George, the Royal Victorian Order and the Order of the British Empire), two sadly made their last public ceremonial appearance at the Coronation of 1937 - the Most Eminent Order of the Star of India and the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire:

The reverse of this Player's Cigarettes card states:

"The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (GCSI) - This Order, next in precedence to the Order of the Bath, was constituted by Queen Victoria in 1861, and has been enlarged from time to time. It was founded for the purpose of recognising the loyalty of Ruling Princes and Chiefs of India, and as a reward for services in and for that Empire. The badge is an onyx cameo of Queen Victoria's bust. The Order is divided into three classes - Knights Grand Commanders, Knights Commanders and Companions. Certain members of the Order are summoned to represent it at the Coronation ceremony. Knights Grand Commanders who are not peers will wear the mantle of the Order as illustrated."

And the reverse of this card:

"The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE) - This Order was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1877 in commemoration of Her Majesty's proclamation as Empress of India in that year. Like the senior Indian order, the Star of India, it is conferred upon persons who have rendered conspicuous service in and for the Indian Empire. The Order has been enlarged from time to time and consists of three classes i.e. Knights Grand Commanders, Knights Commanders, and Companions. Certain members of the Order are summoned to represent it at the Coronation. The Mantle shown in the illustration will be worn by Knights Grand Commanders who are not Peers."

For more on the Order of the Star of India, see HERE.

For more on the Order of the Indian Empire, see HERE

CORONATION POST (4) - THE KING'S CHAMPION

And on with the Coronation posts !

There's nothing like a good tradition, and nothing quite like "The King's Champion". The reverse of this 1937 "Churchman's Cigarettes" card states:

"For nearly six hundred years the head of the House of Dymoke of Scrivelsby, Lincolnshire, has been hereditary King's Champion, appearing at nearly every Coronation down to that of George IV in 1821. The Champion is shown wearing the famous Dymoke armour, preserved at Windsor Castle, and in the act of throwing down his gage. The Manor of Scrivelsby came to the Dymokes from the Marmions, and is held in Grand Sergeantry. This means that the holder must perform some service in return for the Manor, and in this case, appear as the King's Champion at Coronations. The first Dymoke to perform the service was Sir John at the Coronation of Richard II [on 23rd June 1377]."

while a second card in the same "Churchman's Cigarettes" series explains:

"Just before the serving of the second course of the Coronation Banquet, it was customary for the Champion to ride into Westminster Hall, escorted by the Earl Marshall and Lord High Constable, and preceded by a herald; esquires carried his lance and shield. The herald read the challenge immediately on entering the Hall, the Champion flinging down his gage. No one taking this up, it was returned to the Champion by the herald. The challenge was repeated below the steps leading to the King's table. The Champions last appearance was at the crowning of George IV [on 19th July 1821]"

It seems unlikely that we will see "the King's Champion" at the Coronation of Charles III - see HERE for the detailed history. This may be just as well, as the present Dymoke of Scrivelsby is, ahem...a distinguished accountant.

Still, in the world of the 1938 VBCW, there is absolutely no reason why "The King's Champion" should not take the field in support of the justice of Edward VIII's cause - an ideal reason to include a 28mm mediaeval knight in a Royalist Platoon !

CORONATION POST (3) - THE PROCESSION

Back in 1952, the ever patriotic "Daily Express" published (at the VBCW price of "two and six") a boxed "paperback and model" in celebration of the forthcoming Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II:

In the same way as now, nobody could be quite sure of all the details in advance of Coronation Day itself, and therefore the "Daily Express" based its illustration of the anticipated 1952 Royal Procession on the actual 1937 Coronation:

The 1937 Order of a Coronation Procession, adapted to 1952. 

The principal difference between the 1937 Procession and the 1952 Procession was the absence, given Independence in 1947, of all Indian influence at the latter - for the 1937 Coronation was not only of a King, but also of an Emperor.

Note - keen students of the VBCW Coronation of 1937 may want to download and magnify the "Procession" illustration (shutting one's eyes, of course, to the very puzzling reference to "King George VI"). 

CORONATION POST (2) - QUEEN MARY

Queen Mary's presence at the Coronation on 12th May 1937 changed Royal Protocol - previously the Dowager Queen, or widow of the preceding sovereign, had "stayed away" from the coronation of his successor.

HM Queen Mary in the Coronation Procession, 12th May 1937

George V and Queen Mary had five sons and a daughter - Edward (b. 23rd June 1894), Albert (b.14th December 1895), Mary (b. 25th April 1897) Henry (b. 31st March 1900) George (b.20th December 1902) and John (b. 12th July 1905). Prince John died young in 1919.

While the exact relationship between Queen Mary and her son, Edward, remains a matter of historical controversy, it is known that both George V and Queen Mary thoroughly disapproved of Wallis Simpson. With hindsight, following the death of George V, the strain between mother and son was only too evident:

Respect. King Edward VIII greets his mother, Queen Mary,
at the Remembrance Day Parade, 11th November 1936.
The beginning of the "Great Constitutional Crisis"
is only a matter of days away.

Wariness. Edward VIII escorts his mother - at a safe distance.

Exasperation. The King and the Queen Dowager not seeing eye to eye.

Who knows what Queen Mary would have done in the VBCW? While her public support would have been invaluable to either of the contestants for the throne, her conflict of interest - a choice between her two eldest sons - would have been overwhelming. It may be, therefore, that she chose seclusion at Sandringham throughout the duration of the conflict. On the other hand, given that she was a redoubtable lady, it may be that she took a much more active part...

Queen Mary and her daughter, Princess Mary, on a tour of a VBCW Battlefield.
Or, as some would have it, a WW1 Battlefield. Either way - regal wheels!

CORONATION POST (1) - THE ANGLICAN CLERGY

The Coronation on 12th May 1937 proved to be a gift to the manufacturers of contemporary cigarette cards, celebrating the key players in the Coronation rituals - none more so than the senior Anglican clergy:

"Archbishop of Canterbury - Primate of all England, and taking precedence next to the Members of the Royal Family, the Archbishop of Canterbury occupies an exalted position in our national life. The first to hold the historic office was Augustine, in A.D.597; the long line of Archbishops since that date includes such famous names as Becket, Cranmer and Laud. The present Archbishop (the 97th in succession) is the Most Rev. Cosmo Gordon Lang D.D., D.C.L., L.L.D. The Archbishop of Canterbury arranges and conducts the Coronation Service and it is he who, by ancient right, performs the crowning ceremony."

"Archbishop of York - The Archbishopric of York dates from the 7th Century, when England was divided into two archepiscopal provinces. On Easter Day, A.D. 627, King Edwin of Northumberland was baptized in a small wooden church on the site of which the magnificent edifice of York Minster now stands, the ceremony being performed by Paulinus, who a few years later was consecrated first Archbishop of York. The present Archbishop (the 90th in succession) is the Most Rev. William Temple D.D., D.Litt, who was appointed in 1929. The Archbishop of York assists the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Coronation Ceremony; in 1911, the then Archbishop of York preached the Coronation sermon."

"Bishop of London - Mellitus became the first Bishop of London in AD 604. The manor of Fulham was given to a later occupant of the See, Bishop Erkenwald, about AD 691, as a residence for himself and his successors. Much of Fulham Palace as it now stands, however, was built by Fitzjames, Bishop of London from 1506 to 1522. The present Bishop, the Rt.Rev.Rt.Hon. Arthur Foley Winnington Ingram, D.D., LL.D., was appointed in 1901 and has officiated at the Coronations of King Edward VII and King George V. At the Coronation Ceremony, the Bishop of London carries the Paten - the dish upon which is borne the consecrated bread for the Holy Communion."

"Dean of Westminster - The Dean and Chapter of Westminster play a very important part in the Coronation. Their right to instruct the King and Queen in the rites and ceremonies of the Coronation has been admitted by the Court of Claims. In addition, the Dean assists the Archbishop of Canterbury during the Ceremony, and holds the Eagle Ampulla containing the oil used for the Anointing. By ancient right, the honour of putting the Coronation vestments on the King also falls to him. The present Dean of Westminster is the Very Revd. William Foxley Norris KCVO, D.D., who was appointed in 1925."

VBCW Notes : save for the Primate of All England's notable conduct during the early days of the VBCW and the famous Royalist "Drive on Canterbury", relatively little has been recorded as to the civil war careers of these notable Anglican personages - for the most comprehensive coverage, see the Solway Sourcebook, "The Anglican League". Most, no doubt, were either in prison or leading Armoured Assault Groups by 1938. Still, the above full dress uniform references are excellent!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Happy New Year to all, and to a 2023 bound to be dominated by the Coronation of King Charles III (not forgetting "Queen Consort" Camilla) , due to take place on Saturday, 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. A Bank Holiday will follow on Monday, 8th May 2023:

In prospect - a Very British Coronation

All of this may, or may not, receive more press attention than the truly seismic events of the forthcoming year, namely the Hereford VBCW Spring and Autumn Big Games 2023:

Hereford VBCW? King Charles auditions for the infamous 
Bromyard Morris Men VBCW Re-Enactment Group
 Or perhaps not.

For those trapped - or luxuriating in - the Very British Civil War timeline of 1938, of course, the most important coronation has already taken place, on 12th May 1937 - albeit it proved not to be the happiest event:

leading, as the better type of historians acknowledge, to strange consequences:

Hopefully, Charles III will do rather better than Edward VIII. More "Coronation" posts inevitably follow this year...